SDS is getting into the Olympic spirit, and the ceremonies carry us just about right into the start of football season. We will be handing out SEC Podium Awards for the top three players at each position. Next up are the defensive tackles.

We’ve already looked at the top three defensive ends in the SEC, now let’s move our way into the big uglies in the middle: the tackles.

Gold: Bennie Logan, LSU

Bennie Logan might not be a household name in the SEC yet, but he will certainly become that this season. Logan played beside fellow first-round draft pick Michael Brockers and was a bit overshadowed last year. However, this is Logan’s year to breakout and become that next top DT draft pick for the Tigers. He will anchor that defensive line, playing beside Anthony Johnson and playing inside of Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. DLine U will get another big performance from Logan on the interior.

Silver: John Jenkins, Georgia

Everyone expected Jenkins to have a massive year coming out of JUCO and entering Georgia last year, but things just didn’t work out like he had envisioned. However, look for him to be a beast and the centerpiece to Todd Grantham’s defense. Jenkins could have left early for the NFL, but he had some unfinished business to take care of in Athens. He’s back to anchor what could be the top defense in the country. Jenkins is the centerpiece and bloodlife of UGA’s 3-4 defense. Backing up Jones will be Kwame Geathers, who is no slouch in his own right, but the emergence of Geathers will help keep Jenkins fresh and at the top of his game. He should dominate on the interior this year.

Bronze: Jesse Williams, Alabama

While Jenkins is the centerpiece to Georgia’s offense, Jesse Williams is the focus of Nick Saban’s 3-4 defense. Fresh off his 600lb bench press, Williams, like Jenkins, is a JUCO transfer who is looking to have a breakout second season. He has incredible power and strength to go along with tremendous size. He will be an unpleasant force for opponents’ offensive lines. Williams is only 475lbs shy of the world record bench press of 1,075lbs. I’m not sure he’ll get there, but he will man the middle for the Crimson Tide.